ADAMS PLEADS NOT GUILTY: Doesn't comment as he leaves courthouse, but lawyer says he'll fight charges

NEW YORK (1010 WINS/AP) — Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not guilty on Friday after being indicted for securing bribes from foreign nationals and accepting illegal campaign contributions in exchange for favors — corruption that prosecutors say dates back to his time as Brooklyn borough president.

Adams remained defiant on Thursday, denying any wrongdoing and stating he will continue to lead the city. The indictment followed weeks of searches, subpoenas, and high-profile resignations, including a predawn raid at Gracie Mansion on Thursday.

Adams faces five charges: one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, two counts of solicitation of contributions by a foreign national and one count of bribery.

The indictment unsealed Thursday accused the Democrat of taking a variety of improper gifts from Turkish officials and businesspeople, including free hotel stays and deeply discounted airline tickets to destinations including France, China, Sri Lanka, India, Hungary, Ghana and Turkey.

In return, prosecutors said, Adams did favors for his patrons. That included helping Turkey get fire department approvals to open a new diplomatic tower in Manhattan, despite concerns about its fire safety system, prosecutors said.

Adams’ arraignment was at noon before Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker.

12:30 p.m. -- Adams and his lawyer exit courthouse, Adams does not comment

Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro, stated, “He is innocent,” adding, “We let the court know that we will be filing on Monday. This is not a real case. The staffer (in the indictment) lied."

Adams did not comment.

Spiro also said “There are no emails, text messages, or any corroboration whatsoever that the mayor knew about anything having to do with these campaign donations. The entire body of evidence is one staffer, one staffer that says there was a conversation.”

He continued, “What you have not learned is that that staffer has lied, and the government is in possession of that lie… When that staffer was first interviewed, they said Mayor Adams knew nothing about this, he was not involved, and that he is innocent. They have that information, but they have not turned it over to us or to you.”

Spiro criticized the prosecution’s handling of the case, saying, “They didn’t want to stick around for questions… They normally answer questions, but in this case, they left.” He added, “It’s not disappointing that Adams is being targeted, it’s the other government that everybody should be disappointed in, bringing this case against the sitting mayor.”

12:15 p.m. -- Mayor Adams faces judge in federal court, pleads not guilty

Adams has pleaded not guilty to five charges, which include one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, two counts of soliciting contributions from a foreign national, and one count of bribery. If convicted of the most serious charge, wire fraud, he faces up to 20 years in prison, federal prosecutors said.

After listening to Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker describe the charges against him, Adams said, “I am not guilty, your honor.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Celia V. Cohen told the judge that prosecutors and Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro, came to an agreement that would allow Adams to be released “on his own signature,” with the condition that he not contact any witnesses or individuals in the indictment, with accommodations for him to speak with members of his family and staff — but not about anything pertaining to the allegations.

Prosecutors said they would provide Spiro with the names of people with whom Adams may not have contact.

Adams, 64, is due back in court Wednesday for a conference before the case judge, Dale E. Ho.

Spiro told Parker, “We’ll be filing a motion to dismiss on Wednesday.”

10:20 a.m. - Jumaane Williams weighs in on Mayor Adams’ indictment and potential role as mayor

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams joined NY1 Friday morning to discuss the indictment against Mayor Adams.

“So you always have differential conversations,” he said. “The past couple weeks we’ve had to make sure that’s a little more poignant to make sure all eventualities are covered.”

If Williams were to assume mayoral duties, his first move would be to call a special election so New York City residents could elect a new mayor. However, he said he’s not considering that possibility just yet.

“There’s so many things that have to happen before we even get to that question. That’s really far ahead,” he said. “It’s really just trying to figure out how we navigate the space we’re in right now, which is unprecedented—I think for some folks chaotic and confusing."

In an interview with 1010 WINS on Thursday, Williams explained why he hasn’t called for Adams’ resignation, emphasizing the need to focus on maintaining effective governance for the people of NYC.

“The focus has to be on making sure that there’s a continuity of government. What we heard today is very serious, what was laid out was really damning,” Williams said. “As the first in the line of succession, I’m also careful about how I speak on this. But I do hope the mayor is considering what’s best for New York City.”

8:45 a.m. - Adams arrives at courthouse

Adams arrived at Manhattan federal court, stepped out of an SUV, gave a quick thumbs up, and headed straight inside without saying a word. Reporters shouted questions, but he ignored them and walked directly into the courthouse. The thumbs up, however, appeared to signal confidence. His lawyer followed closely behind, also silent.

Outside the courthouse, it was a chaotic scene, with media swarming and security ramped up. Barricades were set up, and NYPD officers, the counterterrorism unit, New York State Police, and court officers were all present. A podium was also in place, with the expectation that after Adams’ arraignment at noon, he or his lawyer might make a statement. So far, nothing has been said, but the thumbs up suggests Adams feels confident about the proceedings.

Adams’ lawyer Alex Spiro on Thursday had said, “We’ve known for some time that they intended to bring a case against the mayor, one way or another. We had a chance to look at the indictment and watched their little press conference. You can almost picture them trying to piece this story together just so they can say ‘corruption’ at the press conference. You know they do this to tarnish him in your eyes.”

‘There’s no corruption," he continued. "This is not a real case,’ hours after federal prosecutors announced charges accusing Adams of taking illegal campaign contributions and bribes from foreign nationals.

It was unclear whether this week’s indictment was the last word on federal investigations involving the administration.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has the authority to remove Adams, issued a statement on Thursday night, leaving her options open. While she didn’t directly call for Adams to step down, she described the indictment as “the latest in a disturbing pattern of events.” Hochul emphasized that it was now “up to Mayor Adams to show the City that he is able to lead,” adding that she expects him to “review the situation and find an appropriate path forward to ensure the people of New York City are being well-served by their leaders.”

Federal prosecutors are believed to be leading multiple, separate inquiries involving Adams and his senior aides and relatives of those aides. In early September, federal investigators seized devices from the police commissioner, schools chancellor, two deputy mayors and other trusted Adams confidants.

In the last two weeks alone, the police commissioner resigned and the schools chancellor announced he would retire . Neither has been charged with a crime or been publicly accused of wrongdoing.